Inhibins and activins are dimeric proteins of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily which have been shown to be expressed in the adrenal cortex. Recent studies have suggested a role for these peptides in the pathogenesis and/or function of adrenal tumours. To investigate further their physiological and pathological roles, we have documented immunoreactivity for inhibin alpha, betaA an...

Using a highly sensitive quantitative RT-PCRmethod for the measurement of CYP11B1 (11b-hydroxylase) and CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) mRNAs, we previously demonstrated thatCYP11B2 expression in the central nervous system (CNS) is subject to regulation by dietary sodium. We have now quantified the expression of these genes in the CNS of male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats in response to systemic ACTH ...

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), also termed adrenogenital syndrome in older literature, is a common inherited form of adrenal insufficiency. This group of diseases is due to mutations (genetic defects) in the genes coding for several enzymes needed for the production of adrenal cortex hormones. About 95% of cases of CAH are caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. This enzyme is necessary for...

A prolonged administration of glucocorticoids produces adrenal atrophy or hypofunction in man and experimental animals(Winter et al., 1950; Fraser et al., 1952; Lewis et al., 1953; Salassa et al., 1953; Dermatini et al., 1955; Bierich et al., 1959). This adrenal insufficiency has been attributed to a reduced ACTH secretion from the pituitary gland(Sayers and Sayers, 1950). For the prevention of...

The localization of the two type 1 angiotensin II receptor subtype (AT1A and AT1B) messenger RNAs in the 19-day-old rat fetus was studied by in situ hybridization. AT1 receptor mRNAs were detected in target organs of the renin-angiotensin system such as the kidney, adrenal gland, liver, heart, large arteries, and pituitary gland. In addition, angiotensin II receptors were present in specialized...

The isolated adrenal gland of the cow can be used in experiments devised to reveal correlations of cellular function mad structure. Structure may be studied by the electron microscope. Function in the adrenal cortex appears as the synthesis of adreuocorticoid hormones, which can be separated from the effluent perfusion fluid and identified and measured quantitativdy by column and paper chromato...

Synchronisation of the circadian system The biological clock within the SCN is thought to be the pacemaker of the circadian system, since lesions to the SCN alter circadian physiology and behaviour. The SCN co-ordinates circadian rhythms via endocrine and neural pathways. These include melatonin, the renin-angiotensin system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis including cortisol, and the h...

The adrenal cortex shares a common embryological heritage with the gonad and kidney: all are derived from components of the urogenital ridge. Adrenocortical specification from this embryonic structure and the ultimate organogenesis of the adrenal gland are directed by the sequential expression of transcriptional regulators, with later development being additionally mediated by endocrine hormone...

Adrenal disease, whether primary, caused by defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, or secondary, caused by defects outside the HPA axis, usually results in adrenal insufficiency, which requires lifelong daily replacement of corticosteroids. However, this kind of therapy is far from ideal as physiological demand for steroids varies considerably throughout the day and increases...

Adrenal insufficiency is characterized by decreased production of glucocorticoids from adrenal cortex, either due to a primary or secondary pituitary etiology. Neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs could be the first presenting only presentation are relatively less explored in patients with understood. Patients chronic psychiatric symptoms, namely depression anxiety should evaluated for associati...